Recorded circa March 1930 in Grafton, Wisconsin. Don Kent has described "Last Kind Words" as "one of the most imginatively constructed guitar arrangments of its era...."


This audio is part of the collection: 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings
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Artist/Composer: Geeshie Wiley
Date: 0000-00-00 00:00:00
Source: 78rpm>CD>MP3
Keywords: Music; Acoustic; Blues; Acoustic Country Blues; Delta Blues; 78rpm

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Reviewer: LaPopessa - - November 15, 2008
Subject: Harpers Magazine article references Last Kind Words
I just love listening to Geeshie plow through this song, and was thrilled to see John Sullivan's discussion of the song in his article "Unknown Blues" in the November 2008 issue of Harper's Magazine. Sullivan tells about his conversations with John Fahey over Wiley's lyrics in the article. It's worth reading for anyone who has gone back and forth on a few of these lyrics, just wondering what she's up to.

I have to say, "bolted meal" was not even close to what I was thinking. Thanks to Sullivan and Fahey, who show their appreciation for this fabulous piece of American blues history.

Reviewer: Waldrop - - May 7, 2007
Subject: RE: Mikal Huber
Wiley recorded "Last Kind Word Blues" and "Skinny Leg Blues" in Grafton, Wisconsin for Paramount Records in March of 1930, with Elvie Thomas backing her on second guitar. (Thomas also recorded two songs for Paramount at the session, "Motherless Child Blues" and "Over to My House," with someone, presumably Wiley, providing second guitar and vocal harmonies.) In 1931 Wiley and Thomas returned to Grafton to record two more sides for Paramount, "Pick Poor Robin Clean" and "Eagles on a Half."

Reviewer: Mikal D Huber - - November 29, 2005
Subject: Most kind
My best friend Tara sent this to me. Best damn thing other than Huddie I ever heard. She playing that guitar herself? Nice syncopation, sounds like Leo Kottke if he was playing a six string, but far more unique. Any more of her stuff on this site?

Reviewer: Ponetoni - - October 7, 2005
Subject: Wow
The most honest music I've ever heard.

Reviewer: jeswa - - July 6, 2005
Subject: I found it!
As mentioned, this is not only for fans of the music in Crumb, this song is actually on the soundtrack and is easily the best inclusion. I bought the soundtrack because of this song, but lost the disc long ago. So glad to have it again. What perfect music for a full moon!

Reviewer: bingo - - May 4, 2005
Subject: man!
how did i miss this woman? this song
is great! maybe some Leroy Carr is as
far back as i've gone, but this particular song
is so fine. kinda reminds me of "Jesus Gonna
Make Up My Dying Bed". gonna listen to it
another 20 times before bed.

Reviewer: nickmovie3 - - May 23, 2004
Subject: Great Song
This is by far one of the greatest songs from the "Delta Blues" era. Geeshie Wiley may not be as good of a vocalist as Billie Holiday, but she is still truly one of the greatest.

Reviewer: Tuckman - - July 28, 2003
Subject: I can hear her tears
I have listened to this song about 15 times since I downloaded it on Saturday and it is beautiful every time. I'm so happy that old 78's are being uploaded to the archive. The hiss and cracks are something to be treasured. For fans of music in the documentary Crumb or Ghost World will surely enjoy this.